Local Educator Janice Akao Honored with Prestigious Master Teacher Award by BCCEA

Janice Akao, the Department Chair of Accounting, Business Administration and Data Analytics, has been awarded the 2024 Master Teacher by the Butler Community College Education Association (BCCEA). Akao thanked the BCCEA for recognizing her dedication to education. The BCCEA has been honoring outstanding faculty members since 1973.

BCCEA President, Terry Sader, commended Akao for her leadership and commitment. The Butler Community College Foundation will hold a public event on May 1, where Akao will receive a bonus from the endowed fund and an award from BCCEA. The Marjorie Gilroy Knowles Teaching Excellence fund supports the Master Teacher award and honorarium.

Akao also contributes to the Butler community beyond her teaching role. She is the Vice President of finance for the Kansas Council of Workforce Education (KCWE), represents Butler in the Kansas Data Science Consortium, leads the Butler Faculty Curriculum Team, and advises Butler’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter.

Rhonda Thomas, Associate Professor of Business and Accounting and a former student of Akao, commended her effective teaching methods and motivational skills. Akao, originally from Wichita, is a Certified Public Accountant with degrees from the University of Arizona and Grand Canyon University.

Akao will also be honored at the 2024 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) conference in Austin, Texas in May. She thanked the selection committee and pledged to maintain high standards in education.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.